I am writing a novel this year with the theme of self sacrifice. That entails death.

Here are some things you should consider with a tragic ending.

1: Will it be meaningful to the story?

2: Will it work with the story?

3: Why must it have a tragic ending?

You must remember how death can be powerful to your story. I will link this article that should be helpful about death. http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Write-a-Death-Scene

I do not have any advice on books to read (I am kind of in the same boat), but I hope my advice will be helpful.